Tocqueville, Alexis de (1805-1859). Democracy in America. With an Original Preface and Notes By John C. Spencer. Henry Reeve, translator. New York: J. & H.G. Langley, 1841.

2 volumes, 8vo. Folding hand-colored map in vol.1. (Small closed tear near gutter). Original dark brown cloth, spines stamped in gilt (some flecks to upper cover of vol.1, small splits to heads of spines).

FIRST COMPLETE EDITION IN ENGLISH, fourth edition overall, of De Tocqueville's treatise on America, "one of the most important texts on political literature" (PMM). Tocqueville's depiction of America is both appreciative and critical - he recognizes the country's democratic achievements while highlighting its inherent challenges and contradictions. Tocqueville believed that equality was the great political and social idea of the age, and thought that the United States offered the most advanced example of equality in action.

Democracy in America was first published in French in two parts, the first appearing in 1835 and the second in 1840. Each part was translated into English and issued separately in both England and the United States: Henry Reeve’s translation of Part I was published in London in 1835, while the first American edition of the first part followed in 1838. Part II did not appear in English translation until 1840. The present edition represents the first appearance in English of the complete work, bringing both parts together in a single publication. Howes T-278; PMM 358 (first edition); Sabin 96065. A BRIGHT SET, RARE IN THE ORIGINAL CLOTH.

Tocqueville, Alexis de (1805-1859). Democracy in America. With an Original Preface and Notes By John C. Spencer. Henry Reeve, translator. New York: J. & H.G. Langley, 1841.